Last week’s meeting began with a most appropriate song, since Monday Rotary meetings are definitely one of my “Favorite Things”.  What a great way to start the week!  Dennis Dillon led the prayer, Vince Liposki led the Four Way Test, and Johnny White introduced visitors, including John Eiche, our District Representative to the Rotary International Council on Legislation.  Roger Donnelly shared a Red Skelton interpretation of the Pledge of Allegiance, then announced that Space Center Rotary was well represented at the Astros Game, with 44 people in attendance.

Scott Rainey announced that Shrimporee funding is on track, but additional sponsors are needed.  So far cash sponsorships in the amount of $33,500 have been collected.  Scott recognized Rena Dietrich as a $2500 level sponsor.  Members should remember to report their collection efforts to their Tribal Chiefs, and Chiefs are to provide Scott with their updates each Sunday.  Chiefs should also pick up Shimporee tickets today.  Dr. Greg Smith gave an update on Silent Auction Committee efforts.  The Apache group has chosen the chocolate theme for their basket donations.  Creek has a golf package and Shawnee an A&M Tailgate package.  Tribes have until next Monday to let him know their basket theme selection.  After Monday, he will assign basket themes.

President Coney’s “Who Am I” exercise focused on engineer Dennis Dillon . President Coney shared a family story sure to get him in trouble at home, extending the message that we need to be perceptive to what is happening with the people around us.  Past President Jon McKinnie expressed his thanks for the thoughts and words of condolences from the membership after the recent loss of his son.  Jon announced that Alan Wylie is retiring after 43 years in the space industry.  His retirement party will be October 14.  See either Jon or Geoff Atwater for information.

Jon introduced today’s speaker, John Eiche .  Mr. Eiche is a past District 5890 Governor, District Leadership Trainer for the Gulf Coast Leadership Institute, a member of the Richmond Rotary, and our District Representative to the Rotary International (RI) Council on Legislation.  Mr. Eiche’s first task was the induction of new member John Swartwout , retired administrator for the Shriners Hospital in Galveston, Texas.  Mr. Swartwout has been a Rotarian for over 20 years.

The Rotary Council on Legislation was initially created in 1934 as an advisory group to analyze proposals before they were voted on at convention.  Through the years the Council has evolved to become the parliamentary body for Rotary.  The Council meets in Chicago (close to Rotary headquarters).  Every district is invited to send a representative, each of whom serve a three year term.  The Council met in April of this year.  There are 531 districts worldwide.  527 sent representatives to the meeting.  Mr. Eiche displayed a 2” binder full of materials covering the 2010 proposed legislation that was sent to each representative.   In addition to the district representatives, the following non-voting members attend:  The Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian, and the RI Constitution and Bylaws Committee members, 3 members at large, the President, President-Elect, Board members, Trustees of the Rotary Foundation, and the RI General Secretary.

There are 2 types of proposed legislation:  resolutions and enactments.  An enactment amends the Constitution/Bylaws/Standing Rotary Constitution for all chapters.  A resolution is a request by Council that the Rotary Boards take a position or action regarding a specific issue.  Voting at Council meetings is conducted electronically.  At the April session, the Council considered 128 enactments and 92 resolutions.  47 enactments and 19 resolutions were adopted.

Enactments of note:
10-11  Created office of Immediate Past President
10-23  Changed Rule of 85 in calculation of attendance
10-40  No discrimination in membership based on sexual orientation
10-87  Added New Generations of Service as the 5th avenue of service

Resolutions of Note:
10-1    Encourages creation of Training and Leadership Committee
10-94  Consider recognizing Early Act Clubs as official Rotary Organizations
10-102 Recognize the Inner Wheel (Rotary Sponsors) as valuable working partners of Rotary

The new enactments were effective July 1.  Council meetings generally run 7 am – 7 pm, plus outside reading.  Mr. Eiche shared that the meetings are draining but overall it is a great experience.  New delegates will be selected next April.  Until then, if we have a request for legislation, please let him know.

President Coney welcomed new member John Swartwout.  John Branch is his sponsor and Gary Johnson will serve as mentor.  There is a Space Center Rotary Club Endowment Foundation meeting tomorrow, but no Shrimporee planning meeting this week.   The meeting was adjourned.